HOME RULE THE KEY FOR SIDWELL

STEVE SIDWELL insists Reading can realise their dreams of playing Premiership football - if they can turn Madejski Stadium into a fortress.

As we exclusively revealed on Wednesday, Royals' midfield ace has ended any speculation about his short-term future by signing a new improved three-year deal.

And the England Under-21 ace is now focusing his efforts on helping Reading reach the top flight.

He told the Evening Post: "We need to change the inconsistency we suffered last season.

"We have to start winning home games against the lower sides in the division. We need to make our ground a fortress."

Sidwell added: "I signed my contract at the end of last week. I wanted a new deal and the club wanted to give me one - mainly because of the way I played last season.

"There has been speculation about me, but I don't know if there's any truth behind the rumours.

"I wanted to show my ambition to Reading by signing a new deal. It's a great club, I love it here. Since I've moved to the area I feel really settled and I believe this club can carry on moving forward.

"There is a great manager, a great staff and a great team and I'm confident we can get into the Premiership.

"We have plenty of experience, having got to the play-offs and then having what we class as a bad season by just missing out.

"Two new players have already arrived and I'm sure there will be a couple more as we still have a small squad."

Reading are now eight days into their pre-season campaign and are preparing for their first pre-season friendlies against Forest Green Rovers and Bath City, both next Tuesday night, before flying off for their Sweden tour.

Sidwell knows how important the pre-season campaign is, but he admits Royals will have to stop slipping up at home against the lower league sides if they are to mount a successful promotion challenge.

He added: "It was nice to have a break but I am raring to go now, particularly after watching Euro 2004 on the TV.

"Now we're all back and doing the hardest part of pre-season training, but I just can't wait to get out there touching the ball again.

"Last season we had a great opening to the campaign after a good pre-season.

"We are going to Sweden, like last year, so all the ingredients are there to get off to a good start again."